To the young woman starting CA

But I have to admit I am worried about some of the advice you got. Don’t get me wrong, I love ‘real-talk’ conversations, but the one I heard about from a young male colleague full of construction administration (CA) strategies for ‘holding onto RFI’s’*, coaching on ‘how to really talk to contractors’, and learning ‘how to project expertise onsite’ really concerns me. You are much more than that, so I feel compelled to write you this note.

I am convinced that at the end of this adventure, you’ll be more authentic and more effective by figuring out how to use your own voice and influence to get the job done. You’ll learn when to push to be effective. This is a skill you are already developing, but I fear that any machismo tactics by others simply won’t work for you.

You are different; you are much more than that.

CA games are games for a reason. I have found that building rapport and dialogue cut through any adversarial relationships. That doesn’t mean you will be able to avoid difficult situations and frustration, but you will be equipped to use your professional judgement and ability to negotiate a win-win situation. You will need to be competent and a team player. Intimidation will only go so far. (I’m surprised more people haven’t learned that by now.) Be part of the solution, not the problem.

If there are games, rise above them. When architects make CA as a game of quick wins and strategy, we miss the opportunity to learn. Don’t lose sight that this is your livelihood, and the livelihood for all the construction professionals and laborers as well. Yes, business is important… and so is time, getting paid, schedule, quality, procurement, decisions, and safety. This is a big responsibility, but don’t lose sight of the people who make it happen. You are all working towards the same goal–to create an awesome building and a project to be proud of.

What I’m trying to say is that you need to be a leader, and that means using the strengths of communication I have seen you develop over the past couple of years.

You bring more to the table than you know.

You will succeed and grow.

You will become more than just part in the process; you will become a better architect.